It’s a fresh start, a new school year, and a chance to stock up on everything students need — from notebooks and backpacks to laptops and clothing. But shopping for school supplies can get expensive. That’s why finding the best back to school deals is so important.
Why Back-to-School Shopping Matters
Every student needs supplies to succeed in school. Whether it’s pencils and paper for elementary school or laptops and planners for college, having the right gear is essential. But the cost of these items adds up quickly. According to surveys, the average family spends over $800 on back-to-school items.
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- Tax-Free Weekends: Many states have tax-free holidays where school supplies are tax-exempt.
- Labor Day Sales: If you shop a little later, Labor Day deals can save you money on tech, furniture, and clothing.
Top Categories to Save On
Back-to-school shopping includes a wide variety of items. Here are the top categories where you can find the biggest savings:
School Supplies
- Notebooks
- Binders
- Pens and pencils
- Highlighters
- Scissors and glue
- Pencil cases
Backpacks and Lunch Bags
A good backpack is essential.
Clothing and Shoes
Major clothing retailers like Old Navy, Target, and Walmart offer discounts on uniforms, jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers during back-to-school season.
Tech and Electronics
- Laptops and Chromebooks
- Headphones
- Calculators
- Printers
Dorm Essentials (For College Students)
- Bedding sets
- Mini fridges
- Storage bins
- Desks and chairs
- Decor items
Stores like Target, IKEA, and Bed Bath & Bath & Beyond offer checklists and promotions for college students.
Best Stores for Back-to-School Deals
Walmart
Walmart offers some of the lowest prices on basic school supplies, backpacks, and clothing. Their online “Back to School Hub” makes it easy to shop by grade or category.
Target
Target runs weekly ads and promotions on back-to-school items.
Amazon
Amazon is great for convenience and price comparison. Amazon Prime members often get special back-to-school offers.
Staples and Office Depot
These stores are ideal for tech and high-quality school supplies.
Best Buy
Best Buy offers great discounts on electronics, especially for students. Sign up for the Student Deals Program to get exclusive coupons.
Tips to Shop Smarter
Make a Shopping List
Start by making a list of what you actually need. This helps avoid buying extra items that go unused.
Set a Budget
Decide how much you’re willing to spend. Track your spending to avoid going over your limit.
Shop Online
Compare prices and check reviews. Many online stores offer extra discounts, free shipping, or cashback deals.
Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Before you check out, search for promo codes or download coupon apps like Honey or Rakuten.
Buy in Bulk
Items like pens, notebooks, and glue sticks are cheaper when bought in bulk.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Many brands offer discounts for students with a valid school email or ID. Apple, Microsoft, and Adobe all have student deals.
Back-to-School Deals for Different Ages.
Elementary School Students
- Focus on basic supplies, comfortable clothes, and colorful backpacks.
- Avoid expensive tech unless required by the school.
Middle School Students
- Add basic tech like calculators or headphones.
- Look for sturdy shoes and updated clothing styles.
High School Students
- You may need laptops, flash drives, and organizational tools like planners.
- Shop for more stylish clothes and shoes that fit in with trends.
College Students
- Invest in quality electronics, dorm essentials, and smart storage solutions.
- Look for bundles or packages made for students.
Best Online Tools for Shopping Deals
- Honey: Automatically finds coupons and applies them at checkout.
- Rakuten: Earn cashback from hundreds of retailers.
- ShopSavvy: Scan barcodes to compare prices in stores and online.
- RetailMeNot: Find promo codes and weekly deals for top retailers.
Eco-Friendly Back-to-School Shopping
- Buy reusable lunch boxes and water bottles.
- Choose refillable pens and recycled notebooks.
- Donate old clothes and supplies.
- Look for brands that use sustainable materials.
FAQs:
When do back-to-school deals start?
A: Most back-to-school deals start in late July and peak in early August. Some stores also offer early-bird sales in June and clearance in September.
What is the best store for back-to-school shopping?
A: Walmart, Target, Amazon, Staples, and Best Buy are top choices. Each has unique deals depending on what you’re looking for—school supplies, electronics, clothing, or dorm gear.
Use a shopping list, look for bundle deals, shop online, and use coupon apps like Honey and Rakuten. Shopping during tax-free weekends also helps you save extra.
Are there special discounts for college students?
A: Yes! Many stores and brands offer exclusive discounts for college students. Check websites like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, and sign up with a .edu email to access deals.
Should I wait until after school starts to shop?
A: Sometimes. If you want deeper discounts and don’t need items immediately, waiting until after Labor Day can lead to clearance deals. But for essential items, shop early.